At the beginning of each year, there seems to be newness at every turn. The new Pantone color (2 this year-light Gray and canary Yellow), new trends, new goals- just to name a few. While goal setting and creating vision boards, finding a general theme for the year ahead is almost unavoidable.
In 2020, I had chosen the word: Love. I had imagined it a lot different than it had presented itself but I did indeed, find love. Love looked less romantic and more like cherishing time with family. Sending care packages and homemade cards to loved ones tucked away by the pandemic. Remaining unapologetically authentic to my truest self- not settling or taking the easy way out. I learned to love myself. Though It was different than what I had hoped for, love was all around me.
I knew I wanted to do the same for 2021. Without thought, I knew what I wanted this new year to represent. I wanted to enter it with all the tools, habits and skills I have been working on over the past 2 years. I want this year to be full of: Intention. Gone are the days of doing something just to do it. Gone are the hours of mindless scrolling and time wasting. I want to be intentional with my time, money, goals and focus.
How will I put Intention into action?
Block Scheduling– One of my favorite ways to plan is to block schedule my days. When I plan I feel at peace. Block scheduling is when you break the day into hours and block off time in the day for certain tasks. For me it will include- prayer, gratitude work, a work out, work, lunch, time spent on J.A.P, meals, chores- that sort of thing. I even like to label each item with a designated time allowed for the task. That way I can set clear expectations for myself.
Budgeting– I have always struggled with budgeting but this had become much more manageable over the past year or so. Have I increased my income? No. Have I gotten better at splurging and mindless spending? Yes. My goal for 2021 is to increase savings for upcoming life goals like moving. I also want to increase my auto savings and use the Dave Ramsey EveryDollar approach. When I have plans for my money, I am better able to control my spending and hit my goals.
Time Management– During the day, I tend to scroll mindlessly on the internet and do this most when I am bored- especially while working. Knowing myself and when this happens will allow me to redirect my focus, take a break if needed and then get back to work. Being more intentional with my time will free up time for better more productive things.
I have already started to implement intentionality into my days since the year started. It will take some getting used to but I can say for a fact, not being glued to my phone all the time has been a really nice change. Using my time for things other than scrolling or shopping online has left me feeling far less stressed and to me- there is no better way to start a brand new year.
So Cheers to 2021! May this new year bring you good fortune, health, wealth and time- spent however suits you best. With the time I have I look forward to using every moment of it.
If you have a word for 2021, share it in the comments on this post! I cannot wait to see what this year will bring you.
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